Shanghai 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Shanghai

Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), clear customs, and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on arrival time, settle in and freshen up.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Shanghai.

Recommended hotel: Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai.

Stroll The Bund

Take an evening walk along The Bund (Waitan), enjoying the historical colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.

The view is particularly spectacular at dusk as the city lights come on. Free public access.

Dinner with a View

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant along The Bund or in the nearby area, offering excellent cuisine and panoramic views of the illuminated Pudong skyline.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Ascend the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views of Shanghai.

Visit the observation decks and the glass-bottomed floor for thrilling photo opportunities.

Go early to avoid long queues. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Visit the Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building.

The 'Top of Shanghai Observatory' on the 118th floor offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

The fastest elevator in the world takes you to the top in less than a minute. Book tickets in advance online.

Lunch in Lujiazui

Enjoy lunch in the modern Lujiazui area, with many dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.

Pudong Riverside Promenade

Walk along the Pudong Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Avenue) for close-up views of the river and The Bund on the opposite bank.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and open spaces.

Dinner in Pudong

Savor a meal in one of Pudong's many restaurants.

Options include international cuisine, traditional Chinese, and fine dining.

Yu Garden

Explore the exquisite Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and bridges.

Rating: Price varies.

A tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Consider a guided tour to understand its history and design. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g308272-d307612-Reviews-Yu_Garden_Yuyuan-Shanghai.html?m=66827

City God Temple Bazaar

Wander through the lively City God Temple Bazaar, surrounding Yu Garden.

It's a great place for traditional snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Be prepared for crowds and haggling. Try some local street food.

Lunch in Old Town

Grab a casual lunch within the Old Town area, perhaps sampling local Shanghai specialties like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Nanjing Road Shopping

Experience Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

Explore department stores, luxury boutiques, and various shops.

The pedestrian section is particularly vibrant. Take a ride on the sightseeing train if you want to cover more ground easily.

People's Square & Park

Stroll through People's Square, the administrative and cultural heart of Shanghai.

Observe locals enjoying the park.

Home to the Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

Dinner near People's Square

Dine at a restaurant around People's Square or along Nanjing Road, offering a wide array of dining choices.

Explore French Concession

Wander through the leafy streets of the Former French Concession, admiring its European-style architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops.

A pleasant area for walking and soaking in the historic atmosphere. Don't miss Huaihai Road and Wukang Road.

Propaganda Art Center

Visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, a hidden gem showcasing a unique collection of historical propaganda posters.

Located in the basement of a residential building, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a specific period of Chinese history. Check opening hours beforehand.

Lunch in French Concession

Enjoy lunch at one of the many trendy restaurants or cafes within the French Concession, offering a mix of international and local cuisines.

Xintiandi Exploration

Discover Xintiandi, a car-free area of restored traditional 'shikumen' (stone-gate) houses, now housing boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

It's a vibrant area to see how old Shanghai architecture has been repurposed.

Tianzifang Art District

Explore Tianzifang, a labyrinthine lane of old residential alleys transformed into an artsy area with small craft shops, art studios, cafes, and bars.

Great for unique souvenirs and a relaxed evening stroll. Can get crowded.

Dinner in Xintiandi/Tianzifang

Have dinner in Xintiandi or Tianzifang, choosing from a variety of international and local dining options in a lively atmosphere.

Shanghai Museum

Spend your morning at the Shanghai Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculpture.

Free entry, but expect queues. Bring your passport for registration. Closed on Mondays.

Lunch near Museum

Have lunch at a local restaurant or cafe near the Shanghai Museum or People's Square.

Shanghai Fabric Market

Visit the South Bund Fabric Market to browse fabrics or get custom-made clothing (suits, dresses, shirts) at very reasonable prices.

Even if you don't plan to buy, it's an interesting cultural experience. Be prepared to bargain.

Relax & Pack

Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping, packing, or relaxing at the hotel before your next adventure.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Shanghai, perhaps trying a different cuisine or revisiting a favorite spot.

High-Speed Train to Suzhou

Board a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Suzhou North or Suzhou Railway Station.

Enjoy the scenic journey.

Check-in to Hotel in Suzhou

Check into your hotel and freshen up before starting your exploration of Suzhou.

Humble Administrator's Garden

Visit one of the most famous classical gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its exquisite design and serene landscapes.

Expect crowds, especially on a Saturday. Wear comfortable shoes.

Lunch near Garden

Enjoy traditional Suzhou cuisine at a local restaurant near the garden.

Explore Pingjiang Road

Stroll along the historic Pingjiang Road, a charming ancient street with canals, traditional houses, shops, and tea houses. You can also take a gondola ride.

Enjoy a leisurely walk and soak in the atmosphere. Gondola rides are optional and cost extra.

Suzhou Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some of Suzhou's sweet and savory dishes.

Suzhou Museum

Explore the unique architecture of I.

M. Pei and the extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, crafts, and cultural relics.

Free entry, but booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for a Sunday.

Local Suzhou Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the museum.

Travel to Wuzhen Water Town

Take a bus or private car from Suzhou to Wuzhen, a picturesque ancient water town.

Check-in Alila Wuzhen

Check into your tranquil accommodation within or near Wuzhen Water Town.

Explore Wuzhen Water Town

Begin exploring the enchanting Wuzhen Water Town (TripAdvisor #8).

Wander through the ancient streets, cross stone bridges, and admire the traditional architecture. Visit Xizha Scenic Area (乌镇西栅 - Google Places #4) which is especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

Dinner & Evening Gondola Ride

Enjoy dinner at a waterside restaurant, then experience the magic of Wuzhen by night with a traditional gondola ride along the illuminated canals.

The night views of Wuzhen are spectacular. Gondola rides are typically available until late evening.

Zhaoming Academy & Dyeing Workshop

Visit Zhaoming Academy (Google Places #8), a historic school, then explore the Grass and Wood Color Dyeing Workshop (草木本色染坊 - Google Places #5) to see traditional fabric dyeing techniques.

These sites offer insights into Wuzhen's cultural heritage and traditional crafts.

Wuzhen Local Specialties

Try some local snacks or specialties for lunch, such as Wuzhen Speciality Gusaobing (Google Places #2).

Travel to Hangzhou

Depart Wuzhen for Hangzhou by bus or private car, arriving in the picturesque city known for West Lake.

Check-in to Hangzhou Hotel

Check into your chosen hotel in Hangzhou.

West Lake Boat Ride & Stroll

Take a relaxing boat ride on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and then stroll along its picturesque banks, admiring the iconic scenery.

Enjoy the classic views and atmosphere of this renowned lake. The lake is generally less crowded on Monday afternoons.

Hangzhou Dinner

Savor authentic Hangzhou cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, such as West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy or Dongpo Pork.

Longjing Tea Plantation Visit

Visit a Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantation to learn about tea cultivation, enjoy the serene terraced hills, and sample fresh Longjing tea.

A peaceful and educational experience. You might have the option to purchase tea directly from the farmers.

Lingyin Temple

Explore one of China's most ancient and significant Buddhist temples, nestled amidst lush forests and limestone caves (Feilai Peak).

There are two entrance fees: one for Feilai Peak (which houses the temple) and one for the temple itself. Dress respectfully.

Farewell Hangzhou Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch in Hangzhou, perhaps revisiting a favorite dish or trying something new.

Transfer to Hangzhou Airport (HGH)

Travel to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) for your departure.